The information below is the standard letter I'm sending any respondents to our ad.

It's full-on but describes what we're looking for and what we are not looking for!

Our situation is getting dire.

We do three different shows - the most popular one is "The Fabulous Sounds Of The Sixties Show". It's an 11 person show plus production. It plays venues like Kedron-Wavell Services Club, Twin Towns Services Club, Treasury Casino (residency) plus corporate bookings.

It's won the award for Best Production Show at the last three Entertainer Of The Year Awards for Clubs in South Qld.

The same group do an alternate show comprising of '50s, '60s, '70s material plus some originals, called "Darren J Ray & The Love Bugs". We are bringing some contemporary material into that show too. Many of the Fab Sixties Show songs are also in this act.

The nucleus of this act is my own four-piece band which performs independently of the show as well.

The lead player is an integral member of all shows.

We are looking for an excellent player who can replicate the sounds and styles on the original records and who can definitely sing.

We are looking for George Harrison, not Steve Vai!

Image is also a crucial part of the Sixties Show. A well-presented, educated guy under 30 is preferred.

The image is young people doing music from 40 years ago (the average age of the group is 23).

YOU MUST HAVE HAIR! (I'm sick of bald guys calling me!) We all look like we just stepped out of 1965 so the earrings, piercings, shaved head and tattooed brigade need not apply!

We would look at an older guy if he was fit and well-preserved (eg must have own hair and teeth!)

We treat it as a business. Hence we have an alcohol-free, drug-free policy in the show.

We are a happy group of mainly young performers. Egos are left at the door upon arriving. Attitudes don't make it to the door.

We currently perform about twice a week, alternating between two lead players who unfortunately cannot commit full-time (ie every weekend) to the show. We are looking for someone who we can add to the pool of players or, ideally, can commit.

We are looking at recording when we have a committed lead player and taking this group as far as it can go.

Money averages $150-$200 for most shows. Money is paid promptly into respective bank accounts usually the week following the weekend's performances.

The show has been going since 2002.

An audition would involve learning any six songs that I can send you as mp3s.

Please let me know if the position interests you and we'll get an audition happening asap.

There is also opportunity for plenty of duo, trio and quartet work.

Experience is not necessary but a good attitude, talent, love for this style of music and the desire to be part of a successful team is.

Thanks for your time.

Cheers,
Darren

Location: Queensland, Australia

Payment details: usually from $150-$200 upwards per show